Before going to military camp

Dear Diary,

Okay... I am starting to have that queasy feeling again... Especially when tomorrow is the day I will enter the military camp for 2 weeks. There will be a short weekend break this coming weekend though but awaiting me, is one massive military exercise test spanning 4-days-3-nights! You know, I seriously think that I will find it difficult to not bathe or change my underwear for 4 days these days. I am not really made to be a soldier. Yet, I am sure there will be some nice moments of leisure in camp where I can jumpstart my reading hobby and perhaps complete a book or two! ;-)

Staying in military camp can be a good time away from work and the hectic lifestyle of most city-dwellers. Hopefully, I can prioritise issues in my life and come out with a greater sense of direction and purpose. There are so many things to do; so many church courses I want to attend, meeting up with friends, seeking theological clarifications, participating in charity work... I really think that the dreaded army camp may possibly give me more time to contemplate, meditate or... to just “stone” (yeah, I know it doesn’t sound too professional or holy, haha)?

My 1-year bible reading plan is still pretty much on track as I completed up to Leviticus 16 today. Frankly, it is torturous to read through Leviticus because it is basically a book on the sacrificial rituals and laws prescribed to the priests from the tribe of Levi. There you find the laws teaching the Israelites to stay pure externally as a sign that they are the people of God. In short, Leviticus’ main theme is, “You shall be holy, because I, the Lord, am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2)

Attended the 7am service at my church today for the second time so far. It is probably the most neglected congregation of the cathedral. This congregation is about 200-men strong; larger than what I expected. There were a couple of young adults and youths, but clearly a minority. Hmm... I momentarily had that idea of getting my cell group to attend this service together and “excite” it up by taking up ministries (eg. worship singing etc) in that service. Then, I didn’t think it will work because none of us can wake up that early for a long haul, haha...

I will just part now (yes, need to sleep early) with a nice prayer which I kinda chanced upon online. Yeah, it is a prayer for a spouse, haha... Anyway, do keep me in prayer for my 2-week in-camp military training commencing tomorrow. Thanks! ;-)

O All-Good Lord, I know that any lasting happiness in my life depends on loving Thee with all my soul, and with all my heart, and upon acting according to Thy holy will in all things.
Direct my soul, O my God, and fill my heart. I want to please Thee alone, for Thou art my Creator and God.
Preserve me from pride and self-love: may reason, modesty, and chastity adorn me. Idleness is hateful to Thee and breeds vice: give me the inclination to perform fruitful labor, and bless my work.
Since Thy Law commands people to live in chaste matrimonial union, lead me, Holy Father, to this blessed calling, not for the satisfaction of my passions, but for the fulfillment of thy commandment, for Thou hast said that it is not good that man should be alone, and having created a woman as a helper blessed them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.
Hear my humble prayer, which I send up to Thee from the depths of my heart. Give me a spouse who is honest and pious, so that we through our love and harmony, can praise Thee, the compassionate God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

God Bless,

Andrew